Mets claim RHP Max Kranick off waivers from Pirates, DFA OF/C Cooper Hummel
The Mets made another offseason addition for a potential bullpen arm, claiming right-hander Max Kranick off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In a corresponding move, New York designated outfielder/catcher Cooper Hummel for assignment, to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Kranick. The Mets claimed Hummel off waivers from Arizona earlier this offseason on Dec. 1, 2023.
Kranick, 26, has appeared in 11 games (nine starts) in the big leagues for the Pirates in 2021 and '22 pitching to a 5.56 ERA (4.49 FIP) over 43.2 innings pitched, allowing 28 runs (27 earned) on 50 hits. He surrendered four homers with 19 walks and 32 strikeouts.
Kranick underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2022 and returned to make nine minor league appearances in 2023, allowing 11 runs (10 earned) on 11 hits in 20.2 innings pitched with nine walks and 14 strikeouts. Seven of those outings came at Triple-A Indianapolis where he pitched to a 2.76 ERA.
The right-hander posted a video to social media throwing a bullpen session with the caption, “Healthy and ready.”
In 2022, Kranick threw a four-seamer (52.6 percent), a slider (36.8 percent) and a curveball (10.5 percent). The fastball sat at 95.1 mph and the slider at 87.4, per Statcast.
Hummel, originally drafted in the 18th round by Milwaukee of the 2016 draft by then-GM David Stearns, made his MLB debut for the Diamondbacks in 2022 and spent time with the Seattle Mariners in 2023.
The 29-year-old has struggled offensively in limited big league opportunities, posting a .166/.264/.286 slash line in 227 plate appearances over 76 games.
He did bat .264 with an .842 OPS over his seven seasons in the minors.
